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Codename: Nightshade
In October 2004, Rachel Donoghue left Glasgow. She vowed to return and continue in the role for which she was chosen and trained, but first, she needed time alone.When a highly-skilled operative finds herself no longer part of a successful team she has many options, and one of those is to go solo.Would Rachel be capable of working alone?Before she disappeared from circulation, Rachel left a calling card with contacts which displayed a picture of Atropa Belladonna – Deadly Nightshade.Rachel would return, but when?
480 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 14, 2019
Thriller and retribution writing at its very best!
A hard-hitting crime and retribution thriller, and Tom Benson’s best novel to date in my opinion - super tone and scene-setting right from the start as the author resurrects a couple of central characters from his vigilante-themed ‘Beyond The Law’ trilogy, while recruiting new ones along the way. Although the story takes place in the ‘BTL’ universe as it were, this is a perfect example of a ‘spin-off’ or parallel novel that reads excellently in its own right without the slightest need to have read the author’s other similarly themed books.
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As in previous books, the author features strong female characters, often in leading roles as he does here. Motivated by a combination of personal revenge alongside the wider justification to see justice done, leather-clad motorcycle riding Rachel, aka Nightshade, dispenses her own brand of retribution with uncompromising ruthlessness and determination. From the very first chapter, you know there’s going to be plenty of blood and a substantial body count by the end. Though the overall story does venture into the world of extreme vigilantism, it retains its credibility without the reader having to totally suspend their disbelief.
The author’s own background and experience give much of the action and ex-military characters the sort of authenticity that can only come from first-hand knowledge in the field or at the very least, talking to and taking advice from those that have. Unsurprisingly then, there is a less than subtle military ‘feel’ to the book, but without plunging the reader full-on into the all-guns-blazing world of ex-military mercenaries and the like, instead replacing them with similarly trained ex-military police officers and other equally formidable and colourful characters.
The writing is gritty and realistic, perfectly conjuring the world of the Glasgow underworld, organised crime, and those fighting it. As always, there is meticulous attention to detail, settings, and plot intricacies, all effortless weaved and brought to life in the narrative and crisp, convincing dialogue. I liked too the simple but effective use of dates and location at the beginning of each chapter and elsewhere for added clarity to the course of events. I was also pleased to be taken by surprise several times, never quite sure where or when the next twist or ‘Ah, I didn’t see that coming’ moment was going to hit me – just when the reader thinks events are talking a turn for the worse, the author reels them back on track.
Although the author ties up events and any loose ends to perfection, he does so in a way that leaves the door open to more books in the Nightshade/BTL universe. My verdict – the easiest five stars I’ve given in a long time - Highly recommended!
A hard-hitting crime and retribution thriller, and Tom Benson’s best novel to date in my opinion - super tone and scene-setting right from the start as the author resurrects a couple of central characters from his vigilante-themed ‘Beyond The Law’ trilogy, while recruiting new ones along the way. Although the story takes place in the ‘BTL’ universe as it were, this is a perfect example of a ‘spin-off’ or parallel novel that reads excellently in its own right without the slightest need to have read the author’s other similarly themed books.
.
As in previous books, the author features strong female characters, often in leading roles as he does here. Motivated by a combination of personal revenge alongside the wider justification to see justice done, leather-clad motorcycle riding Rachel, aka Nightshade, dispenses her own brand of retribution with uncompromising ruthlessness and determination. From the very first chapter, you know there’s going to be plenty of blood and a substantial body count by the end. Though the overall story does venture into the world of extreme vigilantism, it retains its credibility without the reader having to totally suspend their disbelief.
The author’s own background and experience give much of the action and ex-military characters the sort of authenticity that can only come from first-hand knowledge in the field or at the very least, talking to and taking advice from those that have. Unsurprisingly then, there is a less than subtle military ‘feel’ to the book, but without plunging the reader full-on into the all-guns-blazing world of ex-military mercenaries and the like, instead replacing them with similarly trained ex-military police officers and other equally formidable and colourful characters.
The writing is gritty and realistic, perfectly conjuring the world of the Glasgow underworld, organised crime, and those fighting it. As always, there is meticulous attention to detail, settings, and plot intricacies, all effortless weaved and brought to life in the narrative and crisp, convincing dialogue. I liked too the simple but effective use of dates and location at the beginning of each chapter and elsewhere for added clarity to the course of events. I was also pleased to be taken by surprise several times, never quite sure where or when the next twist or ‘Ah, I didn’t see that coming’ moment was going to hit me – just when the reader thinks events are talking a turn for the worse, the author reels them back on track.
Although the author ties up events and any loose ends to perfection, he does so in a way that leaves the door open to more books in the Nightshade/BTL universe. My verdict – the easiest five stars I’ve given in a long time - Highly recommended!
January 12, 2020
I read this superb thriller before Christmas and it is a cracking read. Guns, grit, gangs and a very special girl called Rachel. I’ll admit to coming to this book as a Tom Benson fan and there are connections here go another great read Beyond the law, but I have to say I think he has stepped it up a notch here. Few writers handle this genre with the same panache and gritty humor. Tom knows his scenery his characters and his direction inside out, and this story benefits from that intimate understanding of what he wants to say. Exciting enjoyable excellent story telling.. pick it up today. Loved it.
January 13, 2020
Good read, kept me turning pages. I enjoyed this tale of justice and retribution. This one doesn't lag anywhere. Well written and plotted, I would easily recommend to a friend. I'd even buy it for them. Having more than a little fascination and fondness for Glasgow, made the book even better.
March 10, 2020
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Excellent hope it kicks off another series as all your books the writing is believable and hard to put down
Excellent hope it kicks off another series as all your books the writing is believable and hard to put down
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews